Sample6 DETECT for Food: Cheese

With Sample6 DETECT/L,our in-shift in-plant environmental test on the market, we have started development on finished products. Our vision is in-shift testing for all products, all pathogens.

However, even the longest journey starts with a single step. For this first step, we have selected an area that helps address a pain point for food manufacturers and makes a big impact on food safety, cheese. Here’s a bit about why:

I’ll have mine with cheese

There are 11 Billion lbs of cheese produced annually in the United States. The per capita consumption is 33.5 lbs per person per year making it the second highest consumable dairy product after milk. With the steady increase expected in consumption, tools which can reduce release time and logistics cost will be critical.

But hold the Listeria

According to the 2003 risk assessment by the FDA and the FSIS, foods that support the growth of Listeria pose the highest risk. This includes milk and high fat dairy products, soft cheeses, cooked crustraceans, smoked or raw seafood, many fruits and vegetables as well as deli type salads and sandwiches. The high moisture content and low acidity of cheese as well as the psychochemical properties (pH, salt, water) of cheese make it particularly susceptible for Listeria growth. Further, many cheese manufacturers advocate for the use of raw milk to make cheese more flavorful. Regulators note that raw milk may contain more bacteria than pasteurized milk. Cheese manufacturers and processors have recognized this risk and test both product and environment at a high frequency.

Extra, Extra, Read All About It

But despite best efforts by industry, Listeria contamination in cheese continues to make news. In 2014, almost every month there has been recall news associated with cheese. Several well-known brands had to recall their products for possible Listeria contamination. This highlights the need for better diagnostic tools.

A faster Listeria test will enable producers to test more frequently, reduce the cost and storage requirements from lengthily test-and-holds and make food safer. Our progress for environmental was fueled by our partners.The samples, the feedback and the hands-on-experience help us bring revolutionary technologies to market.Sample6 DETECT/L is changing the way we look at environmental testing. Sample6 CONTROL is changing on the way that we manage environmental data. We are currently recruiting partners for our development program. Together, we can make food safer.